Hello New Friends!!!!!

[elcid7]

Hello New Friends,

My name is Jimmy Hope and I'm from Gainesville, Georgia (one hour north of
Atlanta). I've been a rod and reel fisherman for fifty years and now I'm diving into the fly fishing arena. Any good advise would be appreciated. Just getting my tackle ready (trying to afford Orvis). Looking for a Mach IV used if anyone has one they want to sell. I'm also interested in what flies to used for large mouth bass in ponds and red fish in salt water. I don't know enough yet to
ask too many questions. I just want to experience one of my life dreams and fly fish on a beautiful mountain river. I'm a retired minister looking to make up for many days in ministry. Fishing is one of my joys and great pleasures in my life. A bad day fishing is better than a good day working. Hope to hear from some of you and make new friends....

Blessings and peace,

Jimmy Hope

[Flier]

Hello Minister Hope. I'm new around here too. Ive been salt water fly fishing round here a bit. So I can help you a little. As far as Orvis don't go crazy tring to get it. I have been very happy with other companies without spending the $$$. I mean Orvis is nice but IMHO for a guy on a buget(ME lol) not needed.
Actually right now Cabelas is having some great sales. I just picked up some nice stuff.
Bass flies? Ive done some up in Maine when strpped bass slows down around here in RI/MA. Anything that looks like a frog or a minnow will work. I have caught Largemouth on frog poppers, grey ghost, black nosed dace, muddlers, and good ole wooly worms.
Good luck cya around

Tom

[FlyFishFrostie]

Well, I hope you've seen "A River Runs Through It", although it doesn't sound like you need much flyfishing inspiration.

Thanks for introducing yourself.:)

PS I don't know the name of it, but there's a fantastic trout stream about 2 hours north of Atlanta. Maybe you already know of it.

[dudley]

Hi Jimmy
Welcome to fly fishing!
Try not to get too hung up on one brand of gear. There's lots of good stuff out there.
It might be bad form to post a hot link to another site, ;) but I suggest you check out the Fly Anglers On Line website.
Lots of good information for the newbie on the "Beginners" pages, plenty of members from the southeast, and lots of guys who fish warm water.